SEN Friendly Halloween

Happy Halloween

Having a Happy Halloween

 Halloween can be lots of fun, but sometimes it can be overwhelming, especially when you hear about what everyone is doing for Halloween. Here are some tips for managing this time of year.

Decorate how you like

It’s up to you whether or not to decorate. If you don’t like scary things or pumpkins, that’s totally fine. Lots of decorations can sometimes be stressful to look at. You might prefer paper decorations to flashing lights or pumpkins, or prefer to not decorate at all.

Keep Costumes Comfy

If you choose to dress up for Halloween, try to wear something that you like and won’t cause sensory issues. It’s okay for your costume to be built out of what’s already in your wardrobe.

No knocking

If you would be upset or bothered by trick or treaters, put a sign up to let people know not to knock on your door. You can make your own sign, look online for one, or even get one from MAIN.

There are no rules of what to do

You might hear of lots of people doing Halloween-y things that sound terrible to you, but remember, you can do whatever you want. If you want to go trick or treating, go to a party, or stay home and chill, that’s all okay. If pumpkins aren’t your thing, don’t do them. If you want to ignore Halloween altogether, it’s totally fine.

If you are trick or treating

• Plan your route – it’s easier if you know in advance where you will go so you don’t have to worry or make decisions on the night.
• Plan some familiar houses (e.g. neighbours you get on with, friends, family ect.)
• Plan when you can eat the sweets – maybe one or two treats a day instead of all at once, to have something to look forward to.